Brits dreading a New Year’s Eve hangover should stock up on broth and ditch the classic Full English, new data has revealed.
The traditional breakfast dish is a popular morning after meal to soak up the booze.
But according to new research, it actually ranks at the bottom when it comes to helping your body bounce back.
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Dubbed the Hangover Nutrition Index (HNI), the annual report from Lifesum looked at the nutritional quality of go-to hangover foods in 10 countries.
The UK’s beloved Full English came in last, with a classic US fry-up in ninth place.
Top choices to actually relieve your hangover? Gut-friendly soups.
“Hangover meals are often indulgent but small tweaks can make a big difference,” said lead dietitian Rebeka Bereczy.
“For faster recovery after a night out, focus on hydration and
electrolytes – salty broths or electrolyte-rich soups restore your body far more effectively than a greasy fry-up.”
The HNI study was determined through the use of an AI-powered tool known as a Multimodal Tracker, as reported by Need To Know.
It reviewed the protein quality, carbohydrate sources, fat types, fibre, vitamins and minerals in each meal, and found dishes rich in fluids, fermented foods, lean protein and vegetables speed
recovery.
Meanwhile, heavy, greasy or sugary dishes worsen dehydration and energy crashes.
Japan’s miso soup took the top spot for being high in electrolytes and low in fat.
It was followed by a vegetable soup with rice and kimchi from Korea, which offers vitamins, minerals and fermented foods, and a fish and vegetable soup from Sweden that balances lean protein, fibre and hydration.
Bereczy explains that high-fat, low-fibre late-night meals correlate with next-day fatigue, dehydration and digestive discomfort.
Meals rich in fluids, electrolytes and fermentables support faster recovery and gut regulation.
Balanced macronutrients and portion control also reduce “hangxiety” and energy crashes.
FACT BOX: 10 HANGOVER FOODS RANKED BY NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Japan
Hangover meal: Miso soup with rice, pickles
Calories (avg): 220
Nutritional index: High electrolytes, fermented foods, fibre, low fat
Korea
Hangover meal: Vegetable soup with rice, kimchi
Calories (avg): 300
Nutritional index: Minerals, vitamins, gut-friendly probiotics
Sweden
Hangover meal: Light vegetable & fish soup
Calories (avg): 350
Nutritional index: Lean protein, hydration, balanced macros
Czech Republic
Hangover meal: Congee-style rice porridge
Calories (avg): 280
Nutritional index: Hydrating, high micronutrients, gentle on digestion
Norway
Hangover meal: Fish soup with root vegetables
Calories (avg): 400
Nutritional index: Lean protein, steady energy, minerals
Finland
Hangover meal: Light broth with whole grains
Calories (avg): 300
Nutritional index: Fibre, vitamins, electrolyte-rich
Italy
Hangover meal: Vegetable soup with lean meats
Calories (avg): 400
Nutritional index: Vitamins, antioxidants, low saturated fat
Portugal
Hangover meal: Seafood stew with vegetables
Calories (avg): 450
Nutritional index: Lean protein, minerals, hydration support
United States
Hangover meal: Greasy fry-up
Calories (avg): 1,100
Nutritional index: High fat, low fibre, increases fatigue
United Kingdom
Hangover meal: Full English breakfast
Calories (avg): 1,000
Nutritional index: High saturated fat, low fibre, low micronutrients
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